The title race is on for the British Stand Up Paddle Champions 2008

As we approach the final event of the 2008 season the title race for the national champion in Stand Up Paddle Surfing and distance racing is on ! This is the first time that national champions have ever been crowned in the UK. In fact the UK is the first country to have a national governing body for stand up paddle surfing (BSUPA) so it is the first time a national champion has been crowned in the world.

To reflect the global and historic nature the BSUPA National Champions awards for 2008 are being sponsored by ourselves - Stand Up Paddle Surfing Global .

The final event is being held, without a sponsor, in Pembrokeshire, West Wales 18th & 19th October 2008. The main beach is Newgale, but in case of high winds, it will be relocated to Broad Haven which offers more shelter.

Throughout the season the competitors had to complete three events in either surf or distance category to be eligible for the nation title. This means the ratings now stand like this :

Open Stand Up Paddle Surfing

Rider

Gwithian Event Result

Isle of Wight Event Result

Total

Neal Gent

2nd

1st

3 points

John Hibbard

3rd

2nd

5 points

Scott Gardner

5th

3rd

8 points

Mark Slater

9th

5th

14 points

Steve Carter

7th

7th

14 points

Nick Healey

17th

5th

22 points

Jay Manning

17th

7th

24 points

Claire Blacklock, as long as she surfs in this event, has already wrapped up the women’s title as, out of a field of six, she is the only competitor to make the Gwithian and Isle of Wight events.

Junior Stand Up Paddle Surfing

Rider

Gwithian Event Result

Isle of Wight Event Result

Total

Bobby Cooper

2nd

1st

3 points

Holly Bassett

3rd

2nd

5 points

Open Distance

Rider

West Wittering

Result

Gwithian Event Result

Isle of Wight Event Result

Total

John Hibbard

2nd

1st

1st

4 points

Neal Gent

1st

3rd

2nd

6 points

Mark Slater

3rd

3rd

3rd

9 points

Steve Carter

DNC*

8th

5th

13 points **

Nick Healy

DNC*

10th

4th

14 points **

Matt Argyle

10th

DNC

8th

18 points **

Jay Manning

6th

8th

7th

21 points

*DNC – Did not Compete

** - Must Compete at Newgale to be eligible for title

Claire Blacklock has already wrapped up the women’s distance title as she has completed three events and none of the other six women riders have.